Avoid These Things When Selling Your Denver Business
For a long time your small business has played a major role in your daily life, so when you list your business for sale, it is important to remember you’re not at the finish line just yet and that mistakes can still be made in the process. With the goal of a successful business sale in mind, we’ve outlined 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Business to avoid costly mistakes so you can prepare your business and yourself for the process.
Selling On Your Own
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when you sell your business is to try and manage the process alone. For a few reasons, a business broker is better equipped to sell your company. First, they’re professionals so they understand the process from a bird’s eye view down to the most minute details. Details that include the legal consequences of a business sale and how to ensure that the process is completed without the possibility of repercussions down the line. Second, business brokers have the time to devote to your sale as well as access to buyers and the professionals to get your business to the closing table. They’re also experts in the financing options and negotiations so they can structure a deal that works. Third, they’re business valuation experts and can develop a good pricing strategy.
Taking Your Foot Off the Gas
We get it, now that you’ve taken the steps necessary to begin the sale process of your business, you’re excited and you’re ready to move on. But don’t take your foot off the gas just yet. It is important you continue to operate your business as if nothing has changed. If you start making changes or stepping away from your company more often, this could reflect in your business’s bottom line and could ultimately turn interested buyers away. A typical sales timeline can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year, so keep up your energy and focus until your closing documents have been signed.
Telling Your Employees
Another common mistake to avoid is telling your employees about selling your business in Colorado. Think about this for a moment. Most employees’ reference for business sales are the large mergers and acquisitions that are discussed in the news with mass layoffs and a host of other negative consequences. If they know of a pending sale, they may choose to find another job. Your employees don’t understand that they’re part of the value of the business and the new owner will more than likely want them staying on after the transition of ownership. The same sentiment goes for customers, vendors and suppliers. It is better to keep everyone in the dark until you can control the messaging they receive and introduce them to the new owner yourself.
Waiting to Sell Your Business
Like many of the best things in life, selling a business takes time. The process starts with gathering information and documents about your business to get it listed. Then there is a host of strategic marketing and buyer discussions until the right buyer comes to play and the financing, closing, and legal transfer process can occur. It is very difficult to rush the sale of a business, so it is important to list your business for sale 1-2 years before you would like to actually exit to allow time for the full process to take place. Listing your business when you need to sell immediately, while not impossible, may cause compromises in the sale value that you would not have otherwise had to make.
Unrealistic Expectations
Business brokers are knowledgeable of the current market, what buyers are looking for, and sales comparables. They’re also experts in business valuation methods and the multiples typical for each industry. It is important to trust your broker with the pricing strategy they present to you and keep your expectations for your sale price realistic. Listing a business for sale at too high of a price will slow the process down, turn off potential great buyers and can ultimately cost you money at the closing table.
Up to Date Financial Documentation
So we’re sharing a bonus mistake to avoid because it’s that important! Business sales don’t always line up perfectly with the financial year, but having up to date financials is a key part of presenting and selling your business to buyers. It can be especially important if your business has been doing historically better more recently and can help you command a better sale price at the end of the day.
To speak with a business broker about how to successfully manage the business sale process in Colorado, schedule a free consultation with a broker or visit our website today.
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Rachael Holstein has been the Marketing Manager for Transworld - Rocky Mountain since 2016. Her work experience has been largely focused on business development and marketing in business brokerage, finance, architecture, property management, and information technology. A long time resident of Cleveland, Ohio, she attained her undergrad from John Carroll University and her Master’s Degree from Cleveland State University. In 2013, she relocated to Denver with her husband, Joe, and her furry companions to explore the mile high lifestyle!
